Golfer sorry for Sky Sports Clutha crash remark

GOLFER Helen Alfredsson has apologised for an “inappropriate and distasteful” remark, believed to be in reference to the Clutha helicopter crash, made while commentating on the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on Thursday.

Helen Alfredsson in 2009. Picture: Wojciech Migda (CC)

Swede Alfredsson, 48, who won 11 tournaments on golf’s Ladies European Tour before retiring in September, reportedly made reference to the helicopter crash which occurred in Glasgow last Friday, killing nine people.

The 48-year-old issued a statement via the LET which read: “Regretfully I made an inappropriate and distasteful comment on air today and apologise unreservedly for any offence that was caused by this mistake.

“I did not intend to hurt anybody and I am devastated if I have hurt anyone. I feel very embarrassed because this was not intended in any shape or form.”

LET chief executive officer Ivan Khodabakhsh added: “Helen Alfredsson’s comment on air was clearly careless but people who know Helen will realise that she would never have intended to hurt someone and I do not believe this was the case.”

Although Alfredsson was not working directly for them, broadcaster Sky Sports said they were “shocked” by the comments and also issued an apology.

A statement from Sky Sports read: “Sky Sports offered coverage of the Dubai Ladies Masters tournament on Thursday with live pictures and commentary provided by a world feed broadcaster, supported by presentation from our own studios in London.

“Sky has no control over the commentary from the event, which is shared by a number of international broadcasters, and we were shocked at the unacceptable comments made by one of the analysts.

“As soon as coverage switched back to our studio in London, our presenter David Livingstone apologised and we reiterate our apology for the offence caused by these comments. We have also expressed our strong concerns to the world feed broadcaster.”